despondent

Despondent is an adjective describing a state of extreme discouragement and loss of hope. It conveys a mood of low spirits and a sense that improvement is unlikely, often following failure, disappointment, or prolonged stress. Despondent does not inherently imply clinical depression, but it can be a component of longer-term mood disorders when it persists.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin despondēre, meaning “to lay aside hope,” formed from de- “away” plus spondēre “to promise or pledge.” It entered English via earlier French forms and has been used since the 18th century.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, despondent describes a temporary mood; people may feel despondent after bad news or a setback. It can also appear in clinical contexts when sadness or hopelessness lasts for extended periods. Common collocations include despondent about the outcome and despondent over a failure.

Synonyms and related terms: Synonyms include dejected, discouraged, and disheartened; antonyms include hopeful, buoyant, and confident. Example: After the defeat, the team grew despondent about their chances in the season.